Iga Alicja Włodkowska

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Iga Alicja Włodkowska ("IAW") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

IAW : I have to admit that I am self-taught about product design. The beginnings of my experience date back to childhood, where the first designs of clothes appeared, ideas for improving everyday equipment. My next stage was photography and graphic designs, then multimedia and visual setting of artistic events.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

IAW : Design has always attracted me and made me happy. It motivates me to solve the problems encountered. Designing is filling the existing emptiness. I am satisfied with the interaction and process. Design contributes to a successful day.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

IAW : I initially treated design as a form of fun and development. Naturally, it started to be my tool for meeting needs and ideas. I can‘t imagine myself designing under coercion — it wouldn’t be a good project, it wouldn't be my project.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

IAW : I am currently designing a model of ecological and functional packaging. I would like to design more products from my brand Viti, ideas and preliminary sketches are already there. I would like to design more projects from the category Video and Broadcasting Equipment, Movie and Animation, Digital-Art Works.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

IAW : Challenge yourself to raise the bar of their skills. Get knowledge from the surroundings. Respect your audience and the fundamental laws of nature. Take care of high quality products and functionality.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

IAW : The great designer is distinguished by his modesty, behind which there are highly developed competences. He understands and appreciates the value of people, their work and their needs.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

IAW : A good project fills a gap in the space in which we operate. It uses universal principles. It fulfils intuitively defined functions and its destiny with the user’s smile.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

IAW : Good design increases the market value of the product. It is a distinguishing feature of good quality. It increases competitiveness both domestically and globally. Good design is the way to high sales. More and more consumers are paying attention to good design. It is better to pay once for a good product than to bear the consequences of apparent savings. Good design is the fulfillment of expectations. Respect in the eyes of customers.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

IAW : I would design an architectural installation fulfilling the functions of a reading room in public space. The installation, which will be open for 24 hours — powered by Green Energy. A project that gives people a shadow, respite, contact with nature, art and culture.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

IAW : My dream project, which I have not yet realised, is a stand for mobile devices. The form, of course, taken from the matrix of the current Viti Stand models.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

IAW : I am thinking about the context and conditions of use of the project. My secret recipe in three steps: 1.Talent with passion to develop persistently in love. 2. Skills must be nurtured by inspiration and good practices. 3. Add in a large amount a secret ingredient — understanding.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

IAW : “Creative freedom does not reside in the infinitude of the means of expression and formation, but in free movement within its strictly legal bounds” - Walter Gropius, who provides me with inspiration to combine technique with art, creating useful and functional projects. It inspires you to explore the technique and follow your own rules. The spiritual father of minimalism, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, inspired me to follow mature minimalism, to see potential. To understand the meaning of “less is more.”

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

IAW : The project of Villa Barbara and Stanisław Brukalski, where we often stop during walks. I like his geometry, avant-garde modernism created in 1927. I also like the Van Gogh Museum. The main building designed by Gerrit Rietveld and its geometric yet light spaces. I like the Juicy Salif squeeze. Philippe Starck broke with the classic form, keeping in mind the maintenance of functionality and durability. I like each of these projects for form and functionality.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

IAW : My biggest project is Viti Stands. What makes him great? Minimalism and balance of form. Simplicity and functionality. It’s safe and eco-friendly.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

IAW : Learn from the experience of generations. Observe the world with attention. Strive for harmony. Find the motivating purpose of each project. You have to believe it. I believed in myself, believed in my project. I felt that creating better projects could create a more friendly environment and at the same time make this world better.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

IAW : Each day is a new experience with a dose of chance. My days have always been in the rhythm of art and technology.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

IAW : Design is innovation. The fulfilment of dreams. Filling the emptiness. A materialised thought. It’s a meditation and focus for me.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

IAW : My artistic family thanks to which I made a huge leap in development, and at the head of them Piotr Saneluta. A few teachers, enthusiasts, specialists and masters I met on my way. At the heart of my Mather and my Grandma, passing on fundamental values, and an unlimited and supportive partner. All of them helped me climb these heights and at the same time were the most faithful supporters. I was also helped by doctors who take care of my health with degree IV endometriosis — above all Paweł Siekierski, Joanna Bubak-Dawidziuk, Joanna Jacko and the Foundation "Pokonać Endometriozę", which means defeating endometriosis. Thank you all very much.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

IAW : Concentration, thoughts, deeds, meetings and art.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

IAW : Obstacles have been and are all the time, starting with hard days with endometriosis. I am motivating, taking a deep breath and I solve every problem encountered.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

IAW : Naturally, without any additional colours. Honestly and accurately. Culturally and aesthetically.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

IAW : My next completed project is the Viti Back family — stage handles for video monitors. Expect more Video and Broadcast Equipment solutions, and further projects in line with Viti’s core principles: functionality, minimalism, intuitiveness, safety, harmony of technology and aesthetics maintained in a friendly spirit of interplay with the environment.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

IAW : My ultimate purpose is to improve the quality of life in the modern world. I would like to provide new opportunities. Inspire changes that positively improve the quality of life. Fill the needs and spaces with useful and aesthetic forms.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

IAW : Engaging in their daily lives and meeting the needs of society. People expect interesting and surprising ideas, creativity. Consistency is expected in striving for excellence and maintaining the high quality of subsequent projects.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

IAW : Design is the fulfilment of dreams and crossing borders. It opens up new opportunities. It inspires more designers and artists. It creates a space for creative expression. Develops technologies, productions, skills. It motivates us to work together. It unites the goal of making all of us live better.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

IAW : I am excited about the further development of Viti projects. We test various materials and materialise further concepts. We are now developing an eco-friendly packaging model for our products, together with a manual. Further work on video equipment assembly systems is ongoing.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

IAW : Effective — evoking joy.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

IAW : I would like more designers to see the value of functionality. It took into account actual needs tailored to the category and industry in which they form. I would like to increase awareness of the values of sustainability and harmony with the environment. Change towards a clean world. Development that secures our future.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

IAW : I think the field of design is moving towards balance and harmony with nature. There is a time for greater awareness and commitment to protecting what surrounds us. Trends for eco-friendly and time for human-friendly.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

IAW : Graphic Design Project 2-10 days, 1- 3 months. Product Design Project 3 - 6 months. Full-Movie Project months or years, Post-production 1- 4 weeks. The discrepancies arise from the different complexity of projects. The exact time is individual, as well as every project.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

IAW : I start by defining the basic assumptions and purpose of the project. Research, ideas, inspiration. I'm making a mock-up of the improvisational associations. I talk a lot and think about it.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

IAW : Life is art and art is my project.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

IAW : Images and impressions that pass through consciousness can create a thread of understanding of emotions and inspiration. When we design, we go into the future, we design tomorrow and open the gates of opportunities.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

IAW : Technology determines the entire creative process, costs, time, impact on the environment, possibilities of the project. It plays and has always played a key role at every stage of design.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

IAW : Software and hardware adapt to the type of project. I'm learning fast. I use the container of my experience. I like to use new technologies and tools available. My last project in the 3D model was created on the fusion 360 program. I learned this program for this particular Viti Stand project.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

IAW : They affect our senses of perception. They evoke emotions and feelings. They determine the usefulness of the project and its functionality. They decide about satisfaction.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

IAW : Where are you looking for inspiration? Can I buy it now? No one’s invented it yet? Can there be such a simple solution?

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

IAW : The first thought? I wish I had it.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

IAW : Ideals do not exist. The ideal partner is like perpetuum mobile — an unattainable model to strive for. The closest to this pattern is my life partner. I believe in co-operation and, by the way, another project that will be our joint.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

IAW : My life partner and co-creator of this project in one person Piotr Saneluta.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

IAW : The book “Square, Circle, Triangle” by Bruno Munari, published in 2015.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

IAW : I developed my skills by assimilation of theory and practical exercises. I looked at other people’s projects and mine. I was not ashamed to ask if I didn't know something. I am always open to consultations, the surrounding world and new technologies.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

IAW : All depends on the type and the reason for fame. The recognition and rewards I have received raise my spirits and motivate me to continue the journey of life. I am proud and truly happy. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and you can't squeeze time — it’s not easy.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

IAW : My favorit colour is blue. My favorit place is Tramonti di Sopra, Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy. I love Mediterranean food. Spring is my favorit time of year.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

IAW : The funny thing that happened to me was to talk to me in male form. I thought I'd only experience this as a stage technician, where men are the numerical superiority. It turned out that this is possible at the least expected moments of work. The initial embarrassment turns into funny situations.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

IAW : Sleepy night, birds singing in the morning, new exciting ideas to realise motivate me to start the day with full energy. It is equally wonderful to go through the next stages of design. It’s a great day when I see progress. I am motivated by every small step that brings me closer to the goal.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

IAW : I think since I was a little kid, I've been showing some qualities that helped me become a great designer. It wasn't obvious. This is the sum of hard work and accumulated experience.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

IAW : The future is an unknown dependent on events initiated by people. Nature will always cope, and where in all this you will find man is conditioned by the direction of development — technocratic or harmony with the environment. In 1000 years of optimistic track, I see the regenerated Earth, the development of technology, completely different forms of transport and energy generation. I really see a lot of possibilities.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

IAW : The Viti Stand project is like figurative art — simplified to the simplest visual form that preserves functionality, versatility and intuitiveness. I would like them to know that this project is just the beginning. We have already designed and manufactured more things to install video monitors, and more ideas are also developing with their rhythm. We have open sales of our products and are open to further challenges. I would like to invite you to www.viti.pl